2,000 summer schools keep children sharp

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A pupil stays focused on learning during the summer school at Nightingale AcademyTimes photographer, Chris Harris

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After a morning of lessons, pupils let off steam by taking part in sporting activitiesTimes photographer, Chris Harris

Nicola WoolcockEducation Correspondent

Published at 9:51PM, August 17 2012

In Edmonton, a deprived area of North London hit by last year’s riots, the
school gates at Nightingale Academy are firmly locked for the summer
holidays and the playground stands silent.

But it is a hive of activity inside: dozens of 10 and 11-year-olds have chosen
to spend a month of their six-week break having extra lessons at the
secondary school they will move to this autumn or next.

Rather than the freedom of a summer holiday relaxing outdoors with friends,
these children are spending most of August in the classroom. They are the
pioneers of a project that chimes